Whippet Tummies

[TillynPip]

Over the nearly three years that I have been a member of K9 there have been posts about tummy or bowel problems and the latest being a topic from Dotty&duke. Are there any facts, statistics or just opinions from whippet owners or breeders, as to whether whippets, as a breed, suffer any more than any other breed with tummy problems eg colitis, IBS or more prone to infections of giardia, campylobactor , clostridium etc? I know some breeds are known for sensitive tummies eg GSD's.

 

[eve]

Over the nearly three years that I have been a member of K9 there have been posts about tummy or bowel problems and the latest being a topic from Dotty&duke. Are there any facts, statistics or just opinions from whippet owners or breeders, as to whether whippets, as a breed, suffer any more than any other breed with tummy problems eg colitis, IBS or more prone to infections of giardia, campylobactor , clostridium etc? I know some breeds are known for sensitive tummies eg GSD's.

There are documented facts regarding specific types of Colitis affecting certain breeds such as Basenji, Boxers and GSD.

I do not think whippets as a breed are more prone to bowel problems than any other breed. They are however scavengers (many breeds are, it is in a dog's nature) and sometimes more nervous than other breeds and this can lead to bouts of Colitis but not cronic Colitis related conditions (and there is a difference).

There do not seem to be any facts or statistics relating specifically to whippets & bowel / digestive disorders.

All my previous whippets were fine with no sensitivity. Daisy had a history of a bowel disorder when she came to me at 2 years. Her condition is cronic and cannot be cured only 'managed'. Toddy on the other hand has bouts of colitis brought on by eating rubbish from time to time and stress (he is highly strung). My other two have no digestive problems.

Improved communication probably makes us more aware of digestive disorders and K9 being a whippet dominated website probably compounds this with regards to whippets with digestive problems. I do not however believe that whippets are 'prone' to digestive disorders any more than the next breed.

Addressing Daisy's condition over the last 14 months does enable me to offer some advice but I am still learning how to manage her condition as it is progressive and degenerative. Fortunately most members are dealing with food intolerance or a bout of colitis which can be managed with a controlled diet or medication.

Best wishes & a Happy 2012

Eve

 

[TillynPip]

Thanks Eve. I haven't been able to find anything specifically mentioned for whippets and they seem to be one of the least meddled with or exaggerated breeds. I know what you mean about scavenging which is why Gracie and Milo are both muzzled on walks. However, if they do manage to guzzle something, you can bet it's one of them that has the upset one end or the other and never Tilly, who is just an bad a scavenger. Perhaps that's down to the fact that she's a whippet X and just about as hardy as they come. Best wishes to you, the family and hounds for 2012.